Jihwi Ahn wins top prize at the Cordwainers award

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jun 9, 2023

The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers has announced its 2023 Footwear Awards with fashion student Jihwi Ahn winning the top trophy and prize of £3,000.

Fifteen student finalists from the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London and De Montfort University competed to win the Trophy awarded at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London. 

Among the other key awards, Daniel Charkow was presented with £2,000 as the overall Runner Up; Annie Purdy won the Sustainable Development Award (£1,500); Bobby Nangla took the first-ever Sneaker/Athleisure Award (£1,500); Barney Wardlaw received a Second Commendation (£500); and Georgia Dalloro was awarded a First Commendation (£500).

Also new to the 2023 awards line-up is The Sue Saunders Award for Excellence, in memory of “an inspiring teacher and mentor”, awarded by nomination to an unnamed individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the footwear trade.

Ahn said of her first prize: “I think [this award] it will really encourage me to push forward and work in this industry.” 

Apart from the cash prizes, the awards also offer footwear design students the chance to earn industry recognition for their work, but the 15 finalists are also given the opportunity to gain mentoring experience from some of the top names in the British footwear industry.